The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-05-11

Mr. Mercer, conscious that his pretty
daughter was by no means appearing tC
the best advantage, rose hurriedly from
the table at this juncture, and proposed
an adjournment to the library to smoke
cigar
I'm SO glad You are going" said Ju-
liza, with spice more of frankness than
courtesy, because | can finish this novel
before any one comes in"
Your daughter is not very domestic
certainly said Mr.. Martin, with curl.
GUS smile upon his lips, as he selected q
cigar from the tempting box held out foi
his choice.
You must not judge of a girl by one
of her freakish moods" said Mr. Mer-
Ger, with some confusion. "I'm afraid
we've taken Julia, too much by sur
prise"
Not at all-not at all, said Mr. Mar
tin, promptly. "a woman can never be
too much taken by surprise when such
an important matter as young mans
life happiness is at stake want to see
Miss Mercer exactly as she is ?'
Breakfast was unwontedly late the
next morning. Mr. Martin, from Alaba-
ma, who had an absolute mania upon
the subject of promptness and punctu-
atty, walked uneasily up and down the
room, ever and anon consulting his silver
watch.
Presently Julia appeared, her bright
hair loosely knotted up, and her slippers
down at the heel, while with wild yawns
she bemoaned the miserable necessity of
rising so early.
Earlyln echoed Mr. Martin; why
it's past eight O'Clock"
Il never rise until nine." answered
heyoung lady, except when papa makes
me-
Julia" reproved her father what a
very unamiable character you are giving
Yourself"
But it is unfortunately true one
papa"
Give us some coffee" interrupted
Mr.. Mercer, we are both in hurry.
Julia sat down TO the table with pout-
ing lips, and decided disposition to
grumble.
How it is raining" she said "Oh, |
hate rain, and an east wind always gives
ne headache. / know | shall have the
blues all day long unless it clears up"
" A well regulated young female, Miss
Mercer" began Mr.. Martin, from Alaba-
ma
" Ii happens partly interrupted Julia
anticipating the prosy lecture, that |
am not well regulated young fe-
male, sir, SO you may as well keep your
good advice for some one whom it is like
~ to benefit
Mr.. Martin, very red and angry.
pursed up his lips and drank his coffee,
in silence. Mr.. Mercer could only mute
ly wonder at this very novel phase of
his daughters generally sunny tenn
per.
She was lstlessly standing at the win
dow, with one finger drawing careless
rings against the panes of glass, when
Mr.. Martin bowed somewhat frigi d
adieu. Her own farewell was equally
uncermon ously indeed she scarcely
even turned her head as the stout old
gentleman from Alabama took his
leave
But the instant the door was closed
her whole face changed and frightened
in its expression.
! think that impression can be hard
ly improved upon " she murmured TO
herself, as she tripped away up stairs to
arrange her neglected hair and put on the
white morning dress she was usually in
the habit of wearing I" But oh. am so
tired of playing part. I'm afraid the
genuine Julia would have peeped out af-
ter while, if he had staid much long
err"
Mr.. Martin, from Alabama, the while
was gravely stating his mind TO his friend
as they walked together down to the
steamboat office.
No, no, Mercer" he said, growing
purple in the face. q really can't listen
TO any such alliance. For although she
is your daughter and very pretty look
ing girl, tool won't deny that-she is
so very slovenly and inefficient, and has,
more over, such an extremely uncertain
temper that she never could make my
son Joseph happy
Very well, sir--very well sir" brus-
Iuely responded Mr. Mercer, himself be-
coming a little excited just as you
please. There are other young men,
should hope, in the world beside your
son Joseph"
Certainly-to be sure" assented Mr.
Morrison, senior, in dire perplexity
"0nly-"
wish you very good morning SIR,
said Mr. Mercer, bowling as stiffiy as a
Chinese mandarin. and walking away.
So the two old friends parted.
And when, day or two subsequent
to these events, Mr. Guy Hartwick made
formal proprosal to Mr. Mercer for his
daughters hand in marriage, he was
agreeably surprised by an unconditional
assent.
ITO be sure" said Mr.. Mercer Il
had other views for her, or you should
have been made more welcome to her,
Guy, my boy, but they have all fallen
through. There's no accounting tor the
audacity Of some people, and"
But here he stopped, for he was getting
intoa passion.